Digital Commons Network^™

Regulation Of Cancer Metastasis By Protein Kinase D1: A Global Regulatory Cascade, Aditya Ganju

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1) is a serine threonine kinase which is downregulated in Prostate, Breast and Colon Cancer. It functions as a tumor suppressor in different cancer cells. Downregulation of PKD1 is known to be associated with aggressiveness of the cancer. PKD1 is known to regulate many key oncogenic signaling pathways such as E-cadherin, β-catenin and Androgen Receptor signaling pathways. Aberrant expression of these oncogenic pathways leads to transformation of cells from normal to malignant phenotype, thereby leading to increased proliferation, growth and metastasis to distant organs of these cancer cells. Literature evidence also points to the fact that E-cadherin …

The Nucleolar Protein Nucleophosmin Undergoes Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation With Arginine-Rich Nucleolar Proteins Through Weak, Multivalent Electrostatic Interactions, Jaclyn Alicia Cika

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Nucleoli are nuclear membrane-less organelles that are the sites for ribosome biogenesis and serve as sensors of cellular stress. Weak, multivalent protein-protein interactions and interactions between disordered, low complexity domains (LCDs) and rRNA have been shown to promote liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in vitro, suggesting a basis for the liquid-like behavior of nucleoli. Nucleophosmin (NPM1), a multifunctional and highly abundant nucleolar protein, exhibits structural features associated with LLPS suggesting a role in nucleolar organization. Specifically, NPM1 forms a pentamer through its N-terminal oligomerization domain and can bind to rRNA through its C-terminal nucleic acid binding domain. Multiple acidic tracts throughout …

Endosomal Trafficking As A Determinant Of Antifungal Tolerance In The Pathogenic Fungus Candida Albicans, Arturo Luis Luna

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Several important antifungal drugs inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, a lipid that modulates the thickness, fluidity and permeability of fungal cell membranes. These include the azole antifungals, which block ergosterol biosynthesis by inhibiting lanosterol demethylase (Erg11p). The resulting depletion of cellular ergosterol and the accumulation of ‘toxic’ sterol intermediates are both thought to cause plasma membrane dysfunction and ultimately growth arrest. However, the effects of ergosterol depletion upon the function of intracellular membranes and organelles are not well described. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of azole treatment upon the integrity of the Candida albicans vacuole, …

Understanding The Historical Diversification Of Valerianacea, Taylor Lebourgeois

Senior Honors Theses

Ecologists and evolutionary biologists have long recognized that species diversity is unequally distributed among angiosperm lineages. For example, various plant clades found in the Andes have been proposed as examples of rapid radiations, and the Andes are recognized as one of the Earth’s biodiversity “hotspots”. Species within Valerianaceae, found in the South American Andes, appear to be an example of such a rapid radiation. Although much attention has been paid to the phylogeny of the South American species of Valerianaceae, there is still a great deal of uncertainty regarding species relationships. Several subgroups within the Andean Valerians have, either not …

Multi-Axial Fiber Optic Reference Strain Sensor For Flexible Dynamics Of Structures, Gabriel Lapilli

Theses and Dissertations

Launch vehicles are in an ever-decreasing weight trend, with bodies becoming more slender to reduce aerodynamic loading. Mass and stiffness tend to be opposing concepts when designing launch vehicles: a stiffer structure means it is usually heavier. Lower stiffness on launch vehicles may produce excessive vibrations during flight, reducing the performance, operating characteristics and safety margins of the vehicle. It also impacts flight dynamics: as the vehicle flies, the orientation of its thrusters and actuators are impacted by the vibrations, creating potential instabilities in the control schemes. This is currently accounted for by using single-point inertial measurements and feeding the …

Making Sense Of Sound: Fourth Graders Use Physical And Technological Models To Illustrate And Explain The Nature And Characteristics Of Sound, Deepika Menon, Deanna Lankford

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

From the earliest days of their lives, children are exposed to all kinds of sound, from soft, comforting voices to the frightening rumble of thunder. Consequently, children develop their own naïve explanations largely based upon their experiences with phenomena encountered every day (Driver et al. 1994). When new information does not support existing conceptions, explanations are refashioned to agree with prior experiences, often resulting in misconceptions (Wesson 2001). Science education literature identifies multiple misconceptions related to sound commonly held by elementary students, including: Sound can only travel through air and not through solids and liquids; sound can travel through a …

Practicing Emotionally Biased Retrieval Affects Mood And Establishes Biased Recall A Week Later, Janna N. Vrijsen, Paula T. Hertel, Eni Sabine Becker

Psychology Faculty Research

Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) can yield clinically relevant results. Only few studies have directly manipulated memory bias, which is prominent in depression. In a new approach to CBM, we sought to simulate or oppose ruminative processes by training the retrieval of negative or positive words. Participants studied positive and negative word pairs (Swahili cues with Dutch translations). In the positive and negative conditions, each of the three study trials was followed by a cued-recall test of training-congruent translations; a no-practice condition merely studied the pairs. Recall of the translations was tested after the training and after 1 week. Both recall …

Sex Differences In The Relationship Between Planum Temporale Asymmetry And Corpus Callosum Morphology In Chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes): A Combined Mri And Dti Analysis, William D. Hopkins, A. M. Hopkins, M. Misiura, E. M. Latash, M. C. Mareno, S. J. Schapiro, Kimberley A. Phillips

Psychology Faculty Research

Increases brain size has been hypothesized to be inversely associated with the expression of behavioral and brain asymmetries within and between species. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing the relation between asymmetries in the planum temporale (PT) and different measures of the corpus callosum (CC) including surface area, streamline count as measured from diffusion tensor imaging, fractional anisotropy values and the ratio in the number of fibers to surface area in a sample of chimpanzees. We found that chimpanzees with larger PT asymmetries in absolute terms had smaller CC surface areas, fewer streamlines and a smaller ratio of fibers to …

Developing Academic Literacy: What Novice Teachers Can Learn From The Case Of Teaching Latino/Bilingual Learners Science And Mathematics, Sandra I. Musanti, Sandra Mercuri

Bilingual and Literacy Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Newsroom: Horwitz On The Trump Effect 12-1-2016, Amanda Milkovits, Roger Williams University School Of Law

Life of the Law School (1993- )

No abstract provided.

Demonstrations And The Law: Patterns Of Law's Negative Effects On The Ground And The Practical Implications

UBC Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Unbearable Lightness Of Balancing: Towards A Theoretical Framework For The Doctrinal Complexity In Proportionality Analysis In Constitutional Adjudication

UBC Law Review

No abstract provided.

An Open Source Approach To Serve A Large Number Of Computer Users Using Block-Level Streaming, Max D. Torres

Theses and Dissertations

There are several options for providing a large number of computers to users for their daily tasks. A typical setup may consist of a large number of computers where each relies on an HDD consisting of the required software, sufficient RAM, a capable CPU that meets the software requirements, and a stable network connection. This thesis proposes the use of the open-source AoE protocol to stream an OS to a user computer from a central server. Since the streaming is done from a well-protected central storage, the AoE protocol is less prone to failures compared to the traditional approach based …

A Multi-Value Sequence Generated By Power Residue Symbol And Trace Function Over Odd Characteristic Field, Yasuyuki Nogami, Satoshi Uehara, Kazuyoshi Tsuchiya, Nasima Begum, Hiroto Ino, Robert Morelos-Zaragoza

Faculty Publications

This paper proposes a new multi-value sequence generated by utilizing primitive element, trace, and power residue symbol over odd characteristic finite field. In detail, let p and k be an odd prime number as the characteristic and a prime factor of p-1, respectively. Our proposal generates k-value sequence T={ti | ti=fk(Tr(ωi)+A)}, where ω is a primitive element in the extension field $\F{p}{m}$, Tr(⋅) is the trace function that maps $\F{p}{m} \rightarrow \f{p}$, A is a non-zero scalar in the prime field $\f{p}$, and fk(⋅) is a certain mapping function based on k-th power residue symbol. Thus, the proposed sequence has …

The Exploitation Of Asteroids And The Non‐Appropriation Principle: Reflections On The Nature Of Property Rights In Light Of The U.S. Space Resource Act Of 2015, Philip De Man

Journal of Space Law

No abstract provided.

Asteroid Mining And Its Legal Implications, Devanshu Ganatra, Neil Modi

Journal of Space Law

No abstract provided.

The Legality Of Mining Celestial Bodies New, Thomas Gangale

Journal of Space Law

No abstract provided.

Frans Von Der Dunk, Ed., Handbook On Space (Edward Elgar Publishing 2015), Mahulena Hofmann, Andreas Loukakis, Simona Spassova

Journal of Space Law

No abstract provided.

Privacy Protection And Aggregate Health Data: A Review Of Tabular Cell Suppression Methods (Not) Employed In Public Health Data Systems, Gregory J. Matthews, Ofer Harel, Robert H. Aseltine Jr.

Mathematics and Statistics: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Public health research often relies on individuals’ confidential medical data. Therefore, data collecting entities, such as states, seek to disseminate this medical data as widely as possible while still maintaining the privacy of the individual for legal and ethical reasons. One common way in which this medical data is released is through the use of Web-based Data Query Systems (WDQS). In this article, we examined WDQS listed in the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) specifically reviewing them for how they prevent statistical disclosure in queries that produce a tabular response. One of the most common …

Discrete Mutations In Colorectal Cancer Correlate With Defined Microbial Communities In The Tumor Microenvironment, Michael B. Burns, Emmanuel Montassier, Juan Abrahante, Timothy K. Starr, Dan Knights, Ran Blekhman

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Variation in the gut microbiome has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as to host genetics. However, we do not know whether genetic mutations in CRC tumors interact with the structure and composition of the microbial communities surrounding the tumors, and if so, whether changes in the microbiome can be used as a predictor for tumor mutational status. Here, we characterized the association between CRC tumor mutational landscape and its proximal microbial communities by performing whole exome sequencing and microbiome profiling in tumors and normal colorectal tissue samples from the same patient. We find a significant association between …

Pressure Reduction On Wide Culverts With Eps Geofoam Backfill, Stephen Singh

Dissertations - ALL

Buried structures may be subjected to excessive stresses that are detrimental to their expected service life. A review of previous design methods shows that there are effective methods to reduce loadings on narrow culverts. The Induced Trench Method introduces compressible fill over a buried structure to mobilize positive arching, and transfer stresses to the side fills. However, this method has not been studied with Bridge Culverts (large spanning culverts). This study evaluates the use of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene, Geofoam) as a compressible/lightweight fill material. The displacements and stresses of the classic narrow trench are examined in detail using the finite …

Predicting Social Functioning In Young Adults With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study, Kayla Eileen Wagner

Dissertations - ALL

Background: The primary objectives of the current study were to (a) describe social functioning outcomes over a 9-year span in individual with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) and (b) identify childhood predictors of social functioning in young adults with 22q11.2DS.

Method: Using data from a prospective longitudinal study, young adult social functioning was compared among individuals with 22q11.2DS, their siblings, and community controls. Childhood cognitive, emotional, and behavioral predictors of young adult social functioning were examined. In addition, the relationship between psychosis and social functioning was explored. Family environment and factors contributing to parental stress in adolescence were investigated as potential …

High-Energy Neutron Backgrounds For Underground Dark Matter Experiments, Yu Chen

Dissertations - ALL

Direct dark matter detection experiments usually have excellent capability to distinguish nuclear recoils, expected interactions with Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) dark matter, and electronic recoils, so that they can efficiently reject background events such as gamma-rays and charged particles. However, both WIMPs and neutrons can induce nuclear recoils. Neutrons are then the most crucial background for direct dark matter detection. It is important to understand and account for all sources of neutron backgrounds when claiming a discovery of dark matter detection or reporting limits on the WIMP-nucleon cross section. One type of neutron background that is not well understood …

Risk-Aware Planning For Sensor Data Collection, Jeffrey Hudack

Dissertations - ALL

With the emergence of low-cost unmanned air vehicles, civilian and military organizations are quickly identifying new applications for affordable, large-scale collectives to support and augment human efforts via sensor data collection. In order to be viable, these collectives must be resilient to the risk and uncertainty of operating in real-world environments. Previous work in multi-agent planning has avoided planning for the loss of agents in environments with risk. In contrast, this dissertation presents a problem formulation that includes the risk of losing agents, the effect of those losses on the mission being executed, and provides anticipatory planning algorithms that consider …

Transport And Optical Conductivity In The Hubbard Model: A High-Temperature Expansion Perspective, Edward Perepelitsky, Andrew Galatas, Jernej Mravlje, Rok Žitko, Ehsan Khatami, B. Shastry, Antoine Georges

Faculty Publications

We derive analytical expressions for the spectral moments of the dynamical response functions of the Hubbard model using the high-temperature series expansion. We consider generic dimension d as well as the infinite-d limit, arbitrary electron density n, and both finite and infinite repulsion U. We use moment-reconstruction methods to obtain the one-electron spectral function, the self-energy, and the optical conductivity. They are all smooth functions at high temperature and, at large U, they are featureless with characteristic widths of the order of the lattice hopping parameter t. In the infinite-d limit, we compare the series expansion results with accurate numerical …

Matthew 23:34 And The Discipleship Ideal, Cedric Vine

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of The Substrate Interactions And Regulation Of Protein Arginine Methyltransferase, Yalemi Morales

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Protein arginine methylation is a posttranslational modification catalyzed by the family of proteins known as the protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). Thousands of methylated arginines have been found in mammalian cells. Many targets of arginine regulation are involved in important cellular processes like transcription, RNA transport and processing, translation, cellular signaling, and DNA repair. Since PRMT dysregulation has been linked to a variety of disease states, understanding how the activity of the PRMTs is regulated is of paramount importance. PRMT1 is the predominant PRMT, responsible for about 85% of all arginine methylation in cells, but very little is known about how …

The Effects Of Rootstock, Scion, Grafting Method And Plant Growth Regulators On Flexural Strength And Hydraulic Resistance Of Apple, Stuart W. Adams

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The apple rootstock ‘Geneva^® 41’ (‘G.41’), is desirable for its resistance to fire blight, Erwinia amylovora, while producing high yields. However, ‘G.41’ and other Geneva^® selections tend to form weak graft unions in the nursery that are susceptible to breaking in the wind, at harvest, or during shipment. In order to understand and remedy this graft union weakness, six scions (‘Fuji’, ‘Gala’, ‘Honeycrisp’, ‘McIntosh’, ‘Pink Lady’, and ‘Scilate’) by seven rootstocks (‘G.41’, ‘G.935’, ‘G.214’, ‘G.11’, ‘M.9-NIC 29’, ‘B.9’ and ‘EMLA 26’), by two grafting methods (chip bud and saddle graft) in a factorial design were tested for graft …

Best Practices For Volume Flow Rate Measurements Using Piv At The Exit Of A Turbulent Planar Jet, Rick Cressall

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to make volume-flow-rate measurements at the exit of a turbulent, planar nozzle. The objective of this report is to assess a range of data acquisition and processing parameters. Data is acquired for volume flow rates of Reynolds numbers between 10,000 and 100,000 for both two-component (2C) and stereo PIV. The parameters are systematically changed one at a time and evaluated using differences in uncertainty, calculation time, and volume- flow-rate deviation. Data acquisition parameters follow the trends of previous work. A multitude of processing parameters were varied for several PIV processing methods. Recommendations for each …

Laboratory Experiences In Mathematical Biology For Post-Secondary Mathematics Students, Matthew Lewis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In addition to the memorization, algorithmic skills and vocabulary which is the default focus in many mathematics classrooms, professional mathematicians are expected to creatively apply known techniques, construct new mathematical approaches and communicate with and about mathematics. We propose that students can learn these professional, higher level skills through Laboratory Experiences in Mathematical Biology (LEMBs) which put students in the role of mathematics researcher creating mathematics to describe and understand biological data. LEMBs are constructed so they require no specialized equipment and can easily be run in the context of a college math class. Students collect data and develop mathematical …